Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This crispy pork jowl recipe is your ticket to a delicious and unforgettable meal. Pork jowl, often overlooked, delivers incredible flavor and satisfying texture when cooked right. This recipe transforms this humble cut into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet sensational dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork jowl, skin scored
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Jowl
Pat the pork jowl dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy skin. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern—this helps the fat render and the skin crisp up beautifully. Don't cut too deeply; just score the surface.
Step 2: Season the Pork Jowl
In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Generously rub this spice mixture all over the pork jowl, ensuring it gets into the scored areas.
Step 3: Sear the Pork Jowl
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the pork jowl skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Roast the Pork Jowl
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) and the pork is tender. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork jowl.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork jowl from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. During this resting time, you can deglaze the pan with apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Slice the pork jowl and serve immediately.
Tips for Crispy Pork Jowl:
- Dry is Key: Thoroughly drying the pork jowl before cooking is essential for achieving maximum crispiness.
- Score Deeply (But Not Too Deeply): Scoring the skin allows for even cooking and rendering of fat.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give the pork jowl enough space in the pan to sear properly.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This simplifies the cooking process and ensures even browning and crispiness.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Using a meat thermometer ensures that the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Variations:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the spice rub for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Herby: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the spice rub.
- Citrusy: Add a squeeze of orange or lemon juice after roasting for a bright, refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g
This crispy pork jowl recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. It's a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for a weekend feast. Enjoy!